Military injury
May was in the U.S. Marine Reserves. On August 11, 1969, while serving at Camp Pendleton, he was asked to clean a mortar that still had a shell in it. The mortar fired, causing a partial amputation of May's right thumb. His season ended, and he was in medical care and physical therapy from August to January 1970. During his time recuperating in California, he also received considerable support through White Sox fans writing to him. May ultimately returned to play again, but the injury led May to change his entire hitting style. He never recovered the same home run power, but he may have become a better hitter in some ways.[10][11][12]
May still won the 1969 Sporting News Rookie of the Year Award,[13] but lost to Lou Piniella for the Major League Baseball Rookie of the Year Award (3rd in the voting).[14] Playing in 135 games for Kansas City Royals, Piniella hit .282, with 11 home runs, 68 RBIs, 43 runs, 33 bases on balls, and a .741 OPS.[15]
In 1970, as the White Sox' full-time left fielder, May hit .285 with 12 home runs and 68 RBIs in 150 games.[1] However, the White Sox had a miserable year, finishing 50 games under .500 and in last place in the American League, 42 games out of first place.[16] In 1971, he batted .294 with 70 RBIs while playing regularly at first base for the only time in his career.[1] He moved back to the outfield after an offseason trade brought superstar and future Hall of Fame player Dick Allen to the White Sox in exchange for Tommy John and Steve Huntz.[17][18][19][20]
Throughout the early 1970s, May continued to help the White Sox improve as a solid everyday starter for them. In 1972, he hit .308 and had 28 stolen bases, which would both end up his career-highs in the respective categories. That year, Chicago finished in 2nd place in the AL, behind only the Oakland Athletics. He was selected to the AL All-Star Team for a second time; and brother Lee May was selected for the NLteam again as well, as its starting first baseman.[21][22][1]
In 1973 he collected 20 home runs and 96 RBIs, which would end up his career highs in those categories. In 1974, his batting average declined to .249, the lowest of his career as a full-time player; with only eight home runs and 58 RBIs. His raised his average to .271 the following year, but again only had eight home runs, with 53 RBIs.[1]
